Neco 2024 Agricultural Science Question 2

A soil‑texture determination practical is set up as shown in the illustration. The apparatus consists of a transparent 500 mL jar (A) fitted with a tight‑fitting lid (B). Approximately 100 g of air‑dry soil sample (D) is placed in the jar, distilled water (C) is added up to the 250 mL mark on the graduated cylinder (E), and the mixture is shaken vigorously with a stirring rod (F) for two minutes. The jar is then left undisturbed for 24 hours to allow the particles to settle. Answer the following: a) Identify and label each component of the setup (A–F) in the illustration. b) After the 24‑hour settling period, the sediment layers measured in the jar are: sand layer 2.5 cm, silt layer 1.5 cm, and clay layer 0.5 cm. Using these measurements, calculate the percentage of sand, silt and clay in the sample (ignore the 0.5 cm of water above the clay layer). c) Based on the calculated texture percentages, recommend a suitable cash crop for this soil and justify your choice.